Johnston wins award but focus is on three points

Jan 16 2013 by Andrew McNair, Dumfries & Galloway Standard

allan johnston

Queens gaffer Allan Johnston celebrated winning manager of the month for December with a clean sheet and all three points at Albion Rovers.

It is the third time this season the 39-year-old has won the Irn-Bru Phenomenal second division prize, having claimed the honour in August and September too.

Luckily for Johnston, the dreaded losing curse often associated with these type of awards failed to materialise as the Doonhamers won 3-0 at Cliftonhill.

Part of the reason for that was the travelling support. Johnston said: “It makes some difference when the crowd turn out in numbers and get behind the team. It’s a great atmosphere and it spurred the boys on.”

The manager of the month admitted the match was not all plain sailing but was delighted to get a clean sheet. He added: “The park was bobbly from the outset, so we knew it was going to be difficult to pass it.

“I think we controlled most of the game. It was great to get the goal right before half-time. They were struggling to get out of their own half, but then we gave away a penalty, which was soft from where I was standing. It looked as though he was miles away from the ball and he jumped for it and fell over but it’s the 11th penalty we’ve given away. But again the boys’ reaction was different class.

“The way we passed it about despite the conditions was different class. It’s another three goals – five in the last two games – so we’re playing with a lot of confidence, creating a lot of chances.

“To get a clean sheet was important. We’ve been disappointed at losing a couple of poor goals lately, but we were back to defending well again and kept it nice and solid.”